USA HISTORY

What event helped cause the U.S. to enter the Spanish-American War?

(A) Spain threatened to attack the U.S.

(B) ** The ship USS Maine exploded in Havana, Cuba

(C) the rough Riders were attacked at the Battle of San Juan Hill

(D) The U.S. wanted to add territories to its empire.

Concept note-1: -On April 25, 1898 the United States declared war on Spain following the sinking of the Battleship Maine in Havana harbor on February 15, 1898.

Concept note-2: -On February 15, 1898, an explosion of unknown origin sank the battleship U.S.S. Maine in the Havana, Cuba harbor, killing 266 of the 354 crew members. The sinking of the Maine incited United States’ passions against Spain, eventually leading to a naval blockade of Cuba and a declaration of war.

Concept note-3: -In 1897, newly elected President William McKinley cautioned patience, but the explosion of the Maine shattered U.S. relations with Spain and led to a declaration of war on April 25, 1898. War with Spain caused the U.S. to rethink its long-held principle of anti-colonialism.